Make plans now for these fall special events in Daytona Beach
Yes, summer is still prime tourist season in Daytona Beach, but as the traditional beach season fades, there’s still a fall slate of special events to draw visitors to the World’s Most Famous Beach.
In a summer season that has attracted fewer tourists in comparison with record-setting 2022, hoteliers are looking optimistically toward a trio of annual big events ― NASCAR’s Coke Zero Sugar 400, Biketoberfest and the Turkey Run classic car show ― to keep rooms filled after families depart to head back to school and work.
Here’s what’s on the special event calendar in coming months:
Coke Zero Sugar 400
Once an Independence Day tradition in Daytona Beach, the Coke Zero 400 moved to its new end-of-summer calendar slot in 2020.
This year, the big race unfolds at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Daytona International Speedway.
In its new calendar slot, it’s the final competition of NASCAR’s 26-race regular season, ensuring plenty of drama as drivers vie for remaining open slots for the 2023 Cup Series playoffs.
The weekend schedule also includes the Wawa 250 Xfinity Series race at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, at the Speedway.
Reserved grandstand tickets range from $46-$169 for the Coke Zero race.
For the Wawa 250, it’s $32 for general admission grandstand, $51 for reserved grandstand.
Visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com for details.
Biketoberfest 2023
The 31st annual edition of the fall Biketoberfest motorcycle rally, a more compact version of the annual spring Bike Week celebration, is slated for Oct. 19-22 in Daytona Beach and throughout Volusia and Flagler counties.
Crowd estimates for the event range from 100,000 to 125,000 annually, according to the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Biketoberfest’s allure revolves around people-watching and cruising along Main Street in Daytona Beach, listening to live bands, cruising the scenic Ormond Loop or checking out an armada of vendors selling everything from custom exhaust systems to leather jackets.
It’s the same vibe as the annual Bike Week event in the spring, with (hopefully) milder temperatures and sunny skies. In case you’re planning ahead, Bike Week 2024 is set for March 1-10, 2024.
Visit daytonabeach.com for details.
Turkey Run in Daytona Beach
It’s a milestone year for the annual fall edition of the Turkey Run classic car show, which will mark its 50th anniversary when the custom cars roll Nov. 23-26 on the massive infield of Daytona International Speedway.
The event features a car show with more than 5,000 collectible vehicles, as well as a Car Corral with an additional 1,500 or so classic cars for sale or trade. There’s also a sprawling swap meet that showcases the wares of more than 1,500 vendors selling parts, accessories and every imaginable car-related trinket.
More creative car-related works are featured in an art show that’s also part of the event.
The Turkey Run typically draws about 150,000 visitors over its four days. Admission is $20 daily Nov. 23-25; $15 on Nov. 26. Visit turkeyrun.com for more information.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Make plans now for these fall events in Daytona Beach
